2023: My choice of Shettima based on competence not religion – Tinubu to Northern Pentecostal Bishops

The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, met with some Christian clerics under the aegis of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Northern Nigeria. He said his intention was to bring prosperity to the country

Tinubu made this known following the choice of his running mate, Kashim Shetimma and the controversy surrounding it

According to him, his decision was based on competence and not religious considerations, adding that only competence can resolve the political and socio-economic challenges bedevilling the nation.

“How will Nigeria develop? How do we banish hunger? How do we improve the insecurity, eliminate killing one another, and shedding the blood of innocent citizens? That is what we must take to the office and not our religion.

“My intention is clear, not religiosity. My intention is to develop this country, to bring prosperity to our country, and I have better qualifications, track records, exposure, and vision than any of my mates.

“When the shortlisted names came, I looked at the characters on the list, their background and everything and here is somebody (Kassim Shetimma) who is so brilliant, so committed, who, during the crisis in Borno, protected Christians,” he said.

However, the bishops said the meeting was not an affirmation that they would endorse the APC’s candidate, adding that they were not committed to supporting anybody.